It put a kink in my everyday life

By francesfitch

1 min read

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with mild COPD...it has progressively gotten worse by this past winter of 2022..I see my doctor as needed but he really isn't very interested. He prescribed OXY for night time only, when I sleep, it helps some but the usual day is cough and spit up phlegm. I am interested in knowing more from others how they cope daily.
Is there a COPD group in Matthews N.C?

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Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
Hi <inline-mention username="francesfitch" user-id="4563511"/>! I am so sorry that you arent getting what you need from your doctor. It sounds like maybe you need to hire a new one if he is not meeting your needs. I know sometimes that is easier said than done. If you cannot get a new one, maybe you could make a list of things that you would like to know more from him or about helping you get a better understanding of it. If you go to The American Lung Association website and look up the Better Breathers Club, you can find a support group in your area. I hope this helps. Unfortunately, as the disease progresses, it is common to have more coughing and phlegm. There are some different things your doctor can prescribe to help with that if you ask. Best, Jackie (Moderator)
francesfitch Member
Thanks for tour reply. About 2 weeks ago my daughter Emily went with me to see the pulmonary doctor and it helped a lot She asked questions about coped and he answered her quite clearly. So that helped me understand a lot more.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="Bixd" user-id="4541955"/> Hi Bixd and thanks for chiming in here. We appreciate you lending your own personal support and encouragement here with the community. Your feedback and your input are much appreciated. All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="francesfitch" user-id="4563511"/> Hi frances and thanks for your post(s) here. We often suggest that patients bring someone, they can rely on (family friend, caregiver), when visiting their doctors. It seems to be of benefit for the patient to have someone to help advocate for them in the office. Often times, as you have shared here, the 'assistant' can ask questions and get clear answers which are then reviewed with the patient in a more comfortable setting after the visit. We appreciate you sharing this with the community. It may encourage others to do something similar when they visit their physician. Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
Roberta Lombardozzi Member
You need to find a pulmonologist. A primary care Dr is not adequate for this disease. Do you live near a medical center? NC has wake Forest, Duke and university of NC medical center. If you are close enough to drive, it would be so worth your while. If you're not close to a medical center, then at the very least you need to find a pulmonologist close to you.
CommunityMember340 Member
Sounds like you need to see a Pulmonologist. I was diagnosed 24 years ago and have progress to moderate/serious and what I experience lately is what you are describing, coughing,etc. Since your case is mild I'd say medication will definitely help you, you just need the right doctor.
1r05cvf Member
You need to see a good pulmonologist. OYX is very dangerous for anyone with COPD, as it slows down your breathing.
1. francesfitch Member
 <inline-mention username="1r05cvf" user-id="2436258"/> I meant to say I use Oxygen C 02 while sleeping only, no daytime use
beverlyk Member
omg your Doctor should go to jail for giving you oxy. Get off of them right now. Go see a lung specialist. Report your doctor on line. This is very upsetting to me knowing so many people have lost everything because of being addicted to oxy and it only takes a few weeks to become addicted. I don't know what to say. I feel sorry for your. You should be on puffer and a nebulizer machine. Please take our advice before it is to late.
1. francesfitch Member
 <inline-mention username="beverlyk" user-id="2408365"/> Thank you for your comment. BUT I should have been more specific' I meant to say oxygen C02, plus I do see a pulmonary doctor and I use Trelegy and a nebulizer daily. I shall be more cautious in my comments here. But thanks for your concern.